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Importance of full canvas vs half canvas?

How important is full vs half canvas to you for heavier sport jackets?


  • Total voters
    250

eHaberdasher

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I recently had this conversation with someone knowledgeable. Our conclusion was that full canvas construction was perhaps better from a longevity-standpoint and has minor implications on lower drape, but if the garment is made well, even half-canvas can be generally be enough.

Some things to consider:
  • If you're buying something special (expensive) and have the option to upgrade to the full canvas, it's probably not a huge percentage of the cost anyway.
  • You'll likely retire good suiting for bodily reasons or due to fashion/taste changes before they wear out and/or fall apart.
  • If you can't tell, does it matter?
  • Is the halo effect of feeling better about the construction of your clothing even when you're not wearing it (aka placebo) worth the upcharge for full-canvas?
  • Scarecrow, Tin Man, or Cowardly Lion?
From our opinion if you tried on a full canvas in a nice fabric and tried on the same or similar fabric jacket, you would be able to tell the difference unless it's a very heavy fabric. Full canvas just drapes better and feels a little bit lighter and more flexible (assuming a light canvas is utilized). Half canvas does feel slightly stiffer and therefore often doesn't drape as well. There is of course a difference in cost/price of at least $150+.
 

St1X

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From our opinion if you tried on a full canvas in a nice fabric and tried on the same or similar fabric jacket, you would be able to tell the difference unless it's a very heavy fabric. Full canvas just drapes better and feels a little bit lighter and more flexible (assuming a light canvas is utilized). Half canvas does feel slightly stiffer and therefore often doesn't drape as well. There is of course a difference in cost/price of at least $150+.
HC feels stiffer because of the fusing glued to the whole frontal panel of the jacket, where you'd normally have a FC
 

eHaberdasher

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HC feels stiffer because of the fusing glued to the whole frontal panel of the jacket, where you'd normally have a FC
Exactly correct 💯
 

SapatoShoe

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For heavier sport jackets, half canvas is a great choice! It provides structure for the weight without feeling too stiff, which can be a downside of full canvas in thicker fabrics. Plus, it's usually a bit more affordable. Go half canvas and enjoy that cozy warmth!
 

eHaberdasher

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Thank you to everyone who weighed in! We just added new arrival spring jackets that are half canvassed in some exquisite fabrics from Biella. We will probably offer a mix of half and full canvas this fall.
 

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How important is full vs half canvas to you for heavier sport jackets?

  • Definitely full canvas only

    Votes: 95 38.0%
  • Half canvas is fine

    Votes: 91 36.4%
  • Really don't care

    Votes: 27 10.8%
  • Depends on fabric

    Votes: 42 16.8%
  • Depends on price

    Votes: 38 15.2%

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